Marianne Carlson of Jefferson continues her reign in the Food Department at the Iowa State Fair.
She placed first overall in the Midwest Living and Gold Medal Flour Cookies competition judged Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14-15. She was first in the bar cookies, four or more layers other than named category, first in the ethnic cookies – French-style macaroons category, and third in the molded or pressed – sugar cookie (not rolled or cut) category.
Entries were judged on flavor, texture and general appearance.
In judging Sunday, Aug. 16, Carlson won first place and a $125 cash prize in the North “40” Pie Contest – Apple-licious Pie. Contestants were challenged to create an award-worthy fresh apple pie. Entries were judged on good apple flavor, consistency, crust and appearance.
The Beeler’s Bacon Dessert competition was judged Sunday as well. With a $2,000 first place prize on the griddle, Carlson placed second and won $1,000. Contestants were challenged to create a “decadent” dessert using Beeler’s bacon as a featured ingredient. Entries were judged on taste, best use of bacon and originality.
Carlson won third place overall and a $75 gift card in the King Arthur Flour bread division Saturday, Aug. 15. She placed first in the rye bread and whole wheat bread categories and third in the oatmeal bread category.
She also placed third in the oatmeal category.
Entries were judged on flavor, appearance and texture.
In Vera Towne’s Chocolate Brownies with Chocolate Frosting competition, also on Saturday, Carlson placed third and won $75. “Made from scratch” entries were judged on taste and appearance.
Carlson was on board Monday for the Machine Shed and Gold Medal Flour Pies competition Monday. She placed second in the raspberry and rhubarb-strawberry categories and third in the peach category.
There were a record number of entries in this year’s Machine Shed pie contest. Entries were judged on quality of crust, filling, general appearance and originality.
Carlson won other contests earlier in the fair. Results are posted under the Good News tab.
